Former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih have expressed conflicting views regarding the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) forming a coalition to secure a presidential election victory.
Since the ratification of the new Constitution, every administration in the Maldives has been formed through a coalition. Speaking at a rally in Gaaf Dhaal Thinadhoo last night, Solih shared insights into his coalition government, saying that he governed in accordance with the agreement signed by the leaders of the then-joint political alliance.
"I say this with confidence even now: winning a presidential election is not something a single party can achieve alone. We must welcome everyone who wishes to develop the Maldives in line with our vision," Solih said.
The MDP won the 2008 presidential election by forming a coalition in the second round, while the party lost the 2013 election to an opposition coalition. In 2018, the MDP returned to power through another coalition arrangement. However, in the most recent election, the MDP failed to secure victory despite contesting the second round alongside the Adhaalath Party.
"We claim to have 60,000 members, but beyond that, we need an additional 100,000 votes. This can only be achieved through a vision that the Maldivian people accept and policies that guarantee their inclusion," Solih added.
Meanwhile, during a campaign visit to Gaaf Dhaal Faresmaathoda this morning for the party’s chairperson election, Nasheed emphasized that the MDP must strengthen its internal activities to defeat the current administration.
"Do not view this as something we can only achieve by joining hands with this group or that group, or by seeking the help of the Adhaalath Party or the assistance of the Jumhooree Party. The true force behind all of this is this 'Yellow Army'—it is you," Nasheed said.
Nasheed further asserted that MDP members are the drivers of the effort to return to government, noting that the role of MDP members in transforming the Maldives remains unmistakable to everyone.
Currently, the only other opposition party is former President Abdulla Yameen’s People’s National Front (PNF). The three former presidents involved in these two parties are preparing to launch joint opposition activities under the banner of the "United Democratic Front."
